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    Étaient (en. Were)

    /e.te/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Indicates a past state.
    They were very happy with their trip.
    Ils étaient très contents de leur voyage.
    Used to express a prior situation or condition.
    When I was young, my parents were very strict.
    Quand j’étais jeune, mes parents étaient très stricts.
    Refers to things that were ongoing in the past.
    The children were playing in the park.
    Les enfants étaient en train de jouer dans le parc.
    Used to describe a past habit.
    In the past, my grandparents were often at our place.
    Dans le passé, mes grands-parents étaient souvent chez nous.
    Used to talk about a reality perceived in the past.
    Times were simpler back then.
    Les temps étaient plus simples autrefois.

    Etymology

    The word 'étaient' comes from the verb 'être', from Latin 'esse'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    they were on the same wavelength
    They had similar ideas.
    ils étaient sur la même longueur d'onde
    it was better before
    It is believed that things were more pleasant in the past.
    c'était mieux avant
    whether they are there or not
    Their presence doesn't matter.
    qu'ils soient là ou non

    Related Words

    to be
    Verb meaning to exist or to have.
    être
    state
    Condition or situation of something.
    état
    student
    Person who learns.
    étudiant
    established
    Installed or fixed state.
    établi

    Slang Meanings

    To be in the know
    At that time, they were really in the know with the new trends.
    À l'époque, ils étaient vraiment dans le coup avec les nouvelles tendances.
    To be on top
    They were at the top of their game during the event.
    Ils étaient au top de leur forme pendant l'événement.